The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-02-12
THE OLD GRAY ROCK.
BY HOWARD X. KNOX.

She sat on great gray stone, very close
90 the low, sobbing music OF the waves,
looking far out on old Oceans crested bil-
lows, her dimpled cheek resting IN one soft
rosy palm, while a far-away look beamed
in her passionate, soul-thrilling eyes.
Elise Snow had had her dream OF love,
hut II had receded further and still further
away from her. until II had almost faded
from sight. Three years ago Gerald Bou-
tclle had spent the summer in the village
OF Castleton, rcgaining his health, lost by
a Winters dissipation. and making love to
and winning heart that was far too pure
and conhding for association with such
man. IL had been the same sweet, be-
guiding story told by the old gray rock, the
same worthless promises, the same heart
breaking parting. that are so familiar to
all, and with many sad experience.
For one year innocent Elise looked Tor
his coming with faithful trusting, waiting
for n word from the absent one But the
word never came. He was not false, Elise
thought, but dead. He would never return
TO her but she could 90 10 him with the
lingering dew OF the first loye-kiss fresh
upon her lips. Did she regret the brigh.
summer that had come and gone, leaving
only an aching void2 No, no; far from II.
Had Gerald Boutelle, with his irresistible
blonde beauty. never crossed her path the
throne in her heart had been erected for
,naught; the crown jewel, studded with de-
yotion and faith, left to crumble away and
form ruined and tenaniless ediiice.
Tho foamy waves swept higher and
higher, until they almost touched the hem
OF her dainty muslin dress, while the spray
dashed shower Of sparkling diamonds
over the dark haired maiden. still looking
out and dreaming OF the future-not an
earthly future, but bright hereafter far
up and beyond the blue sky that seemed TO
dip its azure mantle IN the dancing waves.
tiny white speck caught Elise's eye,
md she watched 1t mechanically as IL came
nearer 10 the shore.
Soon the low, mournful boom of a
signal gun announced a ship I'm distress.
In nm instant the fearful storm of the
night before occurred 10 her mind, and she
knew full well that this must bc some no.
BILE ship that had received it's death warrant
from the old storm-king, and was aimlessly
drifting with the tide.
BY the time the second gun had sounded
its mournful call the beach was throngine
with eager villagers. ready to do and dar,
10 save the lives on the doomed ship!
The boats were soon launched, manned
and ready 90 start-in fact, were pushing
off-when Elise sprang forward, begging
10 90 with them.
There was no danger, she argued, ant
she might possibly be Of some assistance.
The slightest wish OF little Snowbird, Al
the villagers called her, was an unquestion
able command 20 them, and she was per
mittsd 10 90.
They soon reached the ship, and Els
was lifted on board, eager To do somethinl
70 prove to all that they could not hav
gotten along without her.
Down in the cabin all was confusion
Each was anxious TO be first TO leave tn
sinking ship. aud, since help had come, nj
wanted TO take some priced luggage, and u
their eagerness thought 1t possible.
/ said "all;" not so. Away TO the extrem
end OF the cabin little group attracte
Elises attention.
A beautiful lady, whose fair hair swer
the floor, lay on sofa, while gentleman
clasping a wee todding one in his arml
kneit with bowed head, careless OF a
around.
Was IL instinct or uewomanly sympath
that caused Elise TO turn from those self
reliant ones and offer her assistance TO n
bowed form before her?
AS the little one, who could not full
understand its fathers trouble, caught sigl
of Elise, IL stretched forth its dimple
hands, crying, Papa, lady tum an hel
mamma"
Al the WofNh pi the tillil tit kNh'i'Hu
raised his bowed head and looked up.
Little Eliscl Snowbird!" he cried. :"
az thus we meet AGAIN."
Every pulse OF her body stood still, tn,
burned and quivered with feyer-heai. 81
tried TO steady her voice. but faile
~Gerald, who is itg--and j. II death2"
Ho would have given worlds, II Il We
possible, II he could have trulhfully nj
swered: "She Is my sister" but with tho
honest, soul-searching eyes looking In
his M could not deny the mother OF
child "She was my wife, Snowbird, nj
now our little ono is motherless
"Oh, Geraldi" r.
Elise said no more. but all the words
the English language could not have d
acribei her feelings better. Reproach,s 81
prise, almost unbelief, arrayed themsely
an that one pitiful cry.
She turned away her head. She cot
not endure the sight of that fair, &C
beauty whom Gerald had called wife,
though she we're cold In death. WI
could Il moanG Had he been falseg ]
moan If anguish told how bitter Il
thought would be. No, no; II could J
be- Circumstances had forced him
marry another. lie conId explain all, I
knew.